Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis visited the Hellenic Centre for Research and Technology (CERTH)’s Interactive Park on the island of Chalki, describing it as a ‘living lab’ for smart islands and a model of collaboration among researchers, local government, universities, and Greek businesses.
A Living Lab for Sustainable Island Development
During his visit, Kalafatis emphasized that the green transition can successfully combine technological progress with environmental protection and improved quality of life for island residents — a key priority for the Ministry of Development.
The Deputy Minister was briefed on ongoing pilot applications in smart energy, sustainable mobility, circular economy, environmental education, and digital technologies — all integrated into this experimental model of sustainable urban development.
The Green Interactive Park of Chalki was developed by the National Centre for Research and Technological Development (NCRD), now operating under the name CERTH, with implementation coordinated by its Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMET/CERTH). It was created in partnership with the Municipality of Chalki as part of the ‘NISOS’ project.
Spanning approximately 3,500 square meters, the park brings together innovative technological solutions and research-based applications. Through accessible, experiential demonstrations, it shows how core challenges of island life — including energy autonomy, waste and water management, marine environmental protection, and climate change adaptation — can be addressed.
Visit to Chalki’s Solar Park
Immediately following, Kalafatis — accompanied by CERTH President Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris, CERTH executives, and Chalki Mayor Angelos Fragkakis — visited the island’s photovoltaic park. He received an overview of Chalki’s energy transformation and the pioneering energy community model that has positioned the island as an international benchmark for green transition and sustainable island development.